New York, 12 February 2021

Chun Jie Kuai Le! [春节快乐！Happy Lunar New Year!]

I send my best wishes to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year.

This year is the Year of the Ox – the same sign as the year of my birth.

The ox symbolizes energy, strength, and courage.

These qualities are what the world needs now.

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic brought great uncertainty and disruption.

In 2021, we must stand together to fight the virus, take climate action and build a strong recovery from the pandemic.

I thank China and the Chinese people for your continuous support for multilateralism and the United Nations, across all pillars of our work. I look forward to our continuing cooperation.

I send my best wishes to all for prosperity, health and happiness in the Year of the Ox.

Xie Xie! [谢谢Thank You!]